US bans Samsung Note 7 on flights

WASHINGTON (PNA/Xinhua) – The US Department of Transportation (DoT) announced Friday it is banning all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.

The DoT said in an emergency order that individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.

The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo, it said, noting anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.

“We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.